Stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are methods, apparatuses, systems for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae on a skin surface area. A method comprising: applying a first cosmetic product to a skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae; contacting a stone grooming apparatus, having a convex tephra composite head and a cylindrical elongated member handle, to the skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae in a consistent motion and in an amount effective to dislodge embedded ingrown hairs on the skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae; exfoliating inflamed skin particles on the skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae; and applying a second cosmetic product to the skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae. An apparatus comprising: a head having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion comprising a stone portion configured to contact a skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae in a consistent motion and in an amount effective to dislodge embedded ingrown hairs on the skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae; and a handle comprising an elongated member having a shaft portion and a base portion configured to contact the skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae in a consistent motion and in an amount effective exfoliate inflamed skin particles on the skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Under provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), Applicant claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application no. 62/707,410, filed on Nov. 2, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/275,751, filed on May 12, 2014 herewith in the name of Derrick Wynn and entitled “Technique and Apparatus for extracting ingrown hairs that cause razor bumps,” assigned to the assignee of the present application, is hereby incorporated by reference.

Related U.S. provisional Patent Application no. 61/855,266, filed May 13, 2013 herewith in the name of Derrick Wynn and entitled, “T-stone. Razor bump master,” is incorporated herein by reference.

It is intended that each of the referenced applications may be applicable to the concepts and embodiments disclosed herein, even if such concepts and embodiments are disclosed in the referenced applications with different limitations and configurations and described using different examples and terminology.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to methods, systems, and apparatus for shaving or shaving accessories. The field of the disclosure may relate to one or more of the following Cooperative Patent Classification classes: A61Q9/00 Preparations for removing hair or for aiding hair removal, A61Q19/00 Preparations for care of the skin, A61Q7/00 Preparations for affecting hair growth (preparations with therapeutic activity A61P17/14), A4044/00 Other toilet or cosmetic equipment, e.g. for hairdressers' rooms, A4027/00 Shaving accessories (containers for handling shaving soap A4040/00; shaving mirrors A4042/08), B26B21/00 Razors of the open or knife type; Safety razors or other shaving implements of the planing type; Hair-trimming devices involving a razor-blade; Equipment therefor, B26B19/00 Clippers or shavers operating with a plurality of cutting edges, e.g. hair clippers, dry shavers.

BACKGROUND

In some situations, daily shaving for personal grooming may result in pseudofolliculitis barbae. For example, daily facial shaving or regular shaving of intimate area may have the unfortunate shavings by-product of pseudofolliculitis barbae. Thus, the conventional strategy is to use expensive razors, specialized gels, solutions, alcohols, witch hazel, shaving creams, and exfoliate brushes to reduce the appearance of pseudofolliculitis barbae. Additionally, dermatologists and medical specialists may be enlisted to solve this problem. The conventional strategy of dermatologists and medical specialists is to use medical creams, steroids, hydrocortisone creams, anti-inflammatory medications, in addition to more expensive razors, specialized gels, solutions, shaving creams, and exfoliate brushes to reduce the appearance of pseudofolliculitis barbae. This often causes problems because the conventional strategy does not provide long term solutions. Additionally, the conventional strategy fails to prevent chronic pseudofolliculitis barbae. For example, someone experiencing a chronic razor bump problem may be prescribed to stop shaving all together instead of addressing the root causes of the problem.

Therefore, a need exists a need to provide an improved effective method for treating and preventing the presence of pseudofolliculitis barbae.

BRIEF OVERVIEW

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae may be provided. This brief overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This brief overview is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this brief overview intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.

Disclosed herein are methods, apparatuses, systems for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae on a skin surface area. A method comprising: applying a first cosmetic product to a skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae; contacting a stone grooming apparatus, having a convex tephra composite head and a cylindrical elongated member handle, to the skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae in a consistent motion and in an amount effective to dislodge embedded ingrown hairs on the skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae; exfoliating inflamed skin particles on the skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae; and applying a second cosmetic product to the skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae.

An apparatus comprising: a head having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion comprising a stone portion configured to contact a skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae in a consistent motion and in an amount effective to dislodge embedded ingrown hairs on the skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae; and a handle comprising an elongated member having a shaft portion and a base portion configured to contact the skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae in a consistent motion and in an amount effective exfoliate inflamed skin particles on the skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae.

Both the foregoing brief overview and the following detailed description provide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoing brief overview and the following detailed description should not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, embodiments may be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinations described in the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings contain representations of various trademarks and copyrights owned by the Applicant. In addition, the drawings may contain other marks owned by third parties and are being used for illustrative purposes only. All rights to various trademarks and copyrights represented herein, except those belonging to their respective owners, are vested in and the property of the Applicant. The Applicant retains and reserves all rights in its trademarks and copyrights included herein, and grants permission to reproduce the material only in connection with reproduction of the granted patent and for no other purpose.

Furthermore, the drawings may contain text or captions that may explain certain embodiments of the present disclosure. This text is included for illustrative, non-limiting, explanatory purposes of certain embodiments detailed in the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows a depiction of a front view of a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a depiction of a side view of a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a depiction of a perspective view of a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a depiction of a front view of a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae loaded with a roll-on seat liner in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a depiction of a side view of a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B show a depiction of a top view and bottom view respectively of a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a depiction of a functional view of a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B show a depiction of functional views of a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show a depiction of functional views of a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows a depiction of a method of using a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and of the present disclosure and are made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection is to be defined by the issued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan should prevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6, no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims. The present disclosure contains headers. It should be understood that these headers are used as references and are not to be construed as limiting upon the subjected matter disclosed under the header.

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the disclosure and the Examples included therein.

Before the present articles, systems, devices, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not limited to specific manufacturing methods unless otherwise specified, or to particular materials unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, example methods and materials are now described.

All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

A. Definitions

It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and in the claims, the term “comprising” can include the aspects “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.” Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In this specification and in the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined herein.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an opening” can include two or more openings.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from one particular value, and/or to another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent ‘about,’ it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

As used herein, the terms “about” and “at or about” mean that the amount or value in question can be the value designated some other value approximately or about the same. It is generally understood, as used herein, that it is the nominal value indicated ±10% variation unless otherwise indicated or inferred. The term is intended to convey that similar values promote equivalent results or effects recited in the claims. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but can be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about” or “approximate” whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where “about” is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.

The terms “first,” “second,” “first part,” “second part,” and the like, where used herein, do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, and are used to distinguish one element from another, unless specifically stated otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. For example, the phrase “optionally affixed to the surface” means that it can or cannot be fixed to a surface.

As used herein, the term “treatment” or “treating” refers to the medical management of a patient or subject with the intent to cure, ameliorate, stabilize, or prevent a disease, pathological condition, or disorder. This term includes active treatment, that is, treatment directed specifically toward the improvement of a disease, pathological condition, or disorder, and also includes causal treatment, that is, treatment directed toward removal of the cause of the associated disease, pathological condition, or disorder. In addition, this term includes palliative treatment, that is, treatment designed for the relief of symptoms rather than the curing of the disease, pathological condition, or disorder; preventative treatment, that is, treatment directed to minimizing or partially or completely inhibiting the development of the associated disease, pathological condition, or disorder; and supportive treatment, that is, treatment employed to supplement another specific therapy directed toward the improvement of the associated pathological condition or disorder. In various aspects, the term covers any treatment of a subject, including a mammal (e.g., a human), and includes: (i) preventing the condition or disorder from occurring in a subject that can be predisposed to the disease but has not yet been diagnosed as having it; (ii) inhibiting the condition or disorder, i.e., arresting its development; or (iii) relieving the disease, i.e., causing regression of the condition or disorder. In one aspect, the subject is a mammal such as a primate, and, in a further aspect, the subject is a human. The term “subject” may also include domesticated animals (e.g., cats, dogs, etc.), livestock (e.g., cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, etc.), and laboratory animals (e.g., mouse, rabbit, rat, guinea pig, etc.).

As used herein, the term “prevent” or “preventing” refers to precluding, averting, obviating, forestalling, stopping, or hindering something from happening, especially by advance action. It is understood that where reduce, inhibit or prevent are used herein, unless specifically indicated otherwise, the use of the other two words is also expressly disclosed.

For example, preventing disorders or conditions involving pseudofolliculitis barbae or razor burns means reducing the incidences, delaying or reversing conditions or disorders that are related to or associated with pseudofolliculitis barbae or razor burns.

As used herein, the term “contacting” refers to bringing a disclosed device or apparatus and a target, such as cell, or other biological entity together in such a manner that the device can affect the activity of the target (e.g., skin cell, etc.), either directly; i.e., by interacting with the target itself, or indirectly; i.e., by interacting with another or adjacent cell, (e.g., hair cell) in which effects the activity of the target. By way of non-limiting example, indirectly interacting with an adjacent hair to straightened or move the hair cell can assist in preventing irregular growth patterns of the target skin cell.

As used herein, the terms “effective amount” and “amount effective” refer to an amount that is sufficient to achieve the desired result or to have an effect on an undesired condition or disorder. For example, an “amount effective” can refer to an amount that is sufficient to achieve the desired therapeutic result or to have an effect on undesired symptoms, but is generally insufficient to cause adverse side effects. The specific effective level for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors including the disorder or condition being treated and the severity of the condition or disorder; the specific composition of the stone portion; the age, general health, sex and diet of the patient; the time of administration; the duration of the treatment; cosmetic products used in combination or coincidental with the specific grooming apparatus and/or stone portion and like factors well known in the cosmetic and/or medical arts. For example, it is well within the skill of the art to start at levels lower than those required to achieve the desired therapeutic effect and to gradually increase the level until the desired effect is achieved. If desired, the effective daily level can be divided into multiple times for purposes of administration. Consequently, single administrations can contain such levels thereof to make up the daily dose. Levels and/or amounts can vary, and can be administered in one or more dose administrations daily, for one or several days. In further various aspects, use of the disclosed devices and methods can be in a “prophylactically effective amount”; that is, an amount effective for prevention of a disorder or condition.

Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

Disclosed are the portions to be used to manufacture the disclosed devices, systems, and articles of the disclosure as well as the devices themselves to be used within the methods disclosed herein. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these materials cannot be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a particular material is disclosed and discussed and a number of modifications that can be made to the materials are discussed, specifically contemplated is each and every combination and permutation of the material and the modifications that are possible unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, if a class of materials A, B, and C are disclosed as well as a class of materials D, E, and F and an example of a combination material, A-D is disclosed, then even if each is not individually recited each is individually and collectively contemplated meaning combinations, A-E, A-F, B-D, B-E, B-F, C-D, C-E, and C-F are considered disclosed. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also disclosed. Thus, for example, the sub-group of A-E, B-F, and C-E would be considered disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in methods of making and using the articles and devices of the disclosure. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the methods of the disclosure.

It is understood that the devices and systems disclosed herein have certain functions. Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions, and it is understood that there are a variety of structures that can perform the same function that are related to the disclosed structures, and that these structures will typically achieve the same result.

Razor bumps: Vernacular term of medical condition known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, colloquially known “razor bumps” or “shaving bumps”. As used herein, the terms “razor burn”, “razor bumps” or “shaving bumps” refer to a skin condition or disorder related to skin growth over a hair follicle, that can cause ingrowing of hairs in the skin. In further aspects, “razor burn”, “razor bumps” or “shaving bumps” may be known as pseudofolliculitis barbae. A reference to pseudofolliculitie of the beard caused by the ingrowing of hairs in the beard area of the face and neck that cause the problem of bumps. Regular shaving can be the precipitating stimulus. The sine qua non (something absolutely indispensable or essential) of pseudofolliculitis barbae is the ingrown hair.

Volcanic Stone: Any stones resulting from lava and particles thrown into the air during a volcanic eruption. Volcanic stone may be one of pumice, tuff, tephra or lava rock.

Tephra: Tephra comes from the Ancient Greek tephra, meaning ashes. Scientifically, tephra is the general name given to anything thrown into the air during a volcanic eruption. It can range from individual ash particles all the way to volcanic bombs. Consistent with these definitions, tephra, a very close cousin to pumice, is a solid material explosively ejected from all volcanic eruptions.

The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context.

I. Stone Grooming Apparatus Overview

Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae may be provided. This overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below. This overview is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this overview intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.

The stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae may be used by individuals or companies for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae. The stone grooming apparatus may provide a hand-held tool featuring a natural stone head portion that, when rubbed on shaved or waxed skin, may eliminate any skin that blocks hair follicles, lift the hair, and thus prevent hairs from growing back into the skin and causing an infection resulting in pseudofolliculitis barbae. The stone grooming apparatus may be referred to herein as a device, apparatus, stone, block, head, product, shaving product, or medical instrument interchangeably.

After a year of research and repeated trial and error, applicants discovered and developed a way to eliminate the root cause of pseudofolliculitis barbae. Applicants created a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae to keep shaved hair follicles free of skin overgrowth.

The stone grooming apparatus may be configured such that it reduces and prevents pseudofolliculitis barbae in the areas of face, underarms, legs and pubic areas which may develop due to cutting hair follicles below the skin's surface. The stone grooming apparatus may fundamentally comprise a handle topped with volcanic stone wherein the volcanic stone may be one of pumice, tuff, tephra or lava rock. When the volcanic stone may be rubbed or applied directly on the affected areas, the skin may be exfoliated in a manner causing hair to be gently lifted. This application may thus allow for the uninterrupted outward growth of the hair thereby neutralizing the cause of pseudofolliculitis barbae.

In one instance, the stone grooming apparatus may remove the skin covering the hair follicle. The stone grooming apparatus may gently lift hairs so that they can grow outward in a straight streamlined manner. Application of the stone grooming apparatus to hairs in an affected area may result in the hairs then not being trapped below the surface of the skin which causes an infection which results in a razor bump.

In another instance, the stone grooming apparatus includes embodiments of the present use of volcanic stone wherein the volcanic stone may be one of pumice, tuff, tephra or lava rock. The volcanic stone may be treated or prepared in a manner to reduce the surface tension and abrasive characteristics of stone such that it may be configured to prevent harsh abrasive contact with a skin surface.

In certain instances, tephra may be used to prepare a convex stone head portion of the stone grooming apparatus. Tephra comes from the Ancient Greek tephra, meaning ashes. Scientifically, tephra, also known as scoria, is the general name given to anything thrown into the air during a volcanic eruption. Herein tephra may also refer to tuff, a light porous rock made of tephra, felsic, and intermediate igneous rock. Tephra can range from individual ash particles all the way to volcanic bombs. Consistent with these definitions, Tephra, a very close cousin to pumice, is a solid material explosively ejected from all volcanic eruptions.

With regard to the disclosed stone grooming apparatus, grinding Tephra into a powder may transform it into semi-smooth “to-the-touch” texture, much like one thousand grit sandpaper. The volcanic rock may be powdered, ground into powder, or pulverized to a fine, smooth texture. The resulting convex stone component comprising tephra provides specific unique characteristics including surface tension, abrasiveness, friction and hardness. While tephra may look similar to pumice, tephra is uniquely different from pumice stone. In fact, it may be formed the same way as pumice. Tephra is a volcanic rock that solidified when it was full of gas bubbles.

In one aspect, a difference between the tephra and pumice is the chemical composition. Tephra, or scoria, may contain much more iron (Fe) and magnesium (Mg) and much less silica (SiO2) than pumice. Additionally, tephra provides for a more porous material than pumice. During the creation of tephra, the bubbles that form in felsic magma that composes tephra are not as mobile as the gas bubbles that form in magma that composes pumice due to the difference in density of the gases. Tephra and pumice result from the cooling of magma forming different types of igneous rocks. Because igneous rock cooled at different rates, the appearances may be different. One particular difference in property and appearance between tephra and pumice are the vesicular or porous appearance of each. Tephra is more porous as a result of the appearance of more vesicles, which are the holes created by gas bubbles in the foamy, upper layers of the lava before it cooled and hardened. The felsic magma that composes tephra traps more gas bubbles as a result which creates more vesicles, a fluid or air filled cavity.

The increased number of vesicles is the reason why tehpra is a softer surface than pumice. A decreased number of vesicles is caused as there are less pores in the cooled rock based on how much gas was initially in the magma. When the rock was forming, gasses dissolved in the magma were are able to come out of solution, forming gas bubbles (the cavities) inside it. When the magma finally reaches the surface as lava and cools, the rock solidifies around the gas bubbles and traps them inside, preserving them as holes filled with gas called vesicles. Hence, there are much more pores in pumice than in scoria and they are smaller. This is a reason for pumice is so much rougher on skin. Tephra has smaller pores resulting in a finer, less abrasive texture with a lower surface tension.

Pumice has the chemical name amorphous aluminum silicate. Pumice has the following properties: Mohs hardness scale hardness of 6, a pH of 7.2, a softening point of 900 degrees C., water solubility of 0.15%, an acid solubility of 2.9%, an inert reactivity. In contrast, the tephra used for the stone grooming apparatus may provide for a range of properties that are differ by a variety of ranges from the established properties of pumice. For example, the tephra used for the stone grooming apparatus may provide a softer surface ranging from 1 to 15 percent less than the hardness of pumice, including exemplary values of about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 percent. The tephra used for the stone grooming apparatus may a hardness ranging from less than 6 to 1. Tephra particles may comprise particles with diameters <2 mm (particles >2 mm are classified as lapilli) that may be as fine as 1 μm. The density of volcanic ash varies between 700-1200 kg/m³ for pumice. The density of tephra used for the stone grooming apparatus may be within a range of densities at least 10 percent less than the density of pumice. Pumice was graded with a coarse geological designation regarding porosity and permeability. The tephra used for the stone grooming apparatus may be graded with a fine geological designation regarding porosity and permeability. The higher hardness level of pumice creates a more abrasive, high friction contacting of the surface. The tephra used for the stone grooming apparatus having a range of hardness level of at least ten percent less than pumice to within ninety-five percent of the hardness level of talc (talc rates a 1 on the Mors hardness scale).

The tephra may be formed into a convex shape and placed upon a cylindrical handle so that it can be easily rubbed on and match the contours of shaved or waxed skin to prevent and reduce the formation of pseudofolliculitis barbae. carved in a convex shape and placed upon a cylindrical handle so that it can be easily rubbed on and match the contours of shaved or waxed skin to prevent and reduce the formation of pseudofolliculitis barbae.

In other instances, the volcanic stone may be treated, carved into a convex shape, and placed upon a cylindrical handle so that it can be easily rubbed on and match the contours of shaved or waxed skin to prevent and reduce the formation of pseudofolliculitis barbae. Yet in other instances, the volcanic stone may be constructed from pulverized tephra, powdered tuff, and powdered volcanic lava rock.

The resulting stone composition may be used as part of a stone grooming apparatus. Applicants developed the disclosed stone grooming apparatus such that it comprises a head portion and a handle portion. The head portion of the stone grooming apparatus further comprising a first surface and a second surface. Further, the head portion of the stone grooming apparatus wherein the first surface comprises a convex stone configuration comprising at least one of tephra, tuff, pumice, and volcanic lava. Furthermore, the head portion of the stone grooming apparatus wherein the second surface comprises a horizontal resting plate, the horizontal resting plate comprising plastic, pewter, wood, metal, or other solid structural material.

Moreover, the handle portion of the stone grooming apparatus further comprising an elongated member having a shaft portion and a base portion. The handle portion of the stone grooming apparatus wherein the elongated member may be shaped as at least one of but not limited to a cylinder, a cylindrical conical frustum, a rectangular column, a triangular column, a textured column, and a geometrically shaped column. In some embodiments, the elongated member may further comprise a finger indentation, a thumb indentation, a textured grip, and one or more textured grip surfaces.

The head of the stone grooming apparatus may be configured as a convex shape thereby allowing a user of the stone grooming apparatus to follow body contours ensuring the stone makes contact with all areas of the shaved or waxed skin. The design of the stone grooming apparatus' handle may allow for convenient single-handed use, freeing the other hand to tighten skin to maximize skin contact with the convex stone head of the stone grooming apparatus wherein a porous surface of the convex stone head may be adapted to remove skin and lift hair preventing ingrown hairs (i.e. hairs curling and re-entering the skin.

Thus, applicants have developed a method of forming Tephra into the stone on top of the stone grooming apparatus, so it can be comfortably rubbed on the skin. The stone grooming apparatus may be referred to as the proprietary Tstone™ name owned by Tstone Solutions Incorporated. The stone grooming apparatus may be configured such that convex stone head portion of the stone grooming apparatus is further configured to delicately grip hairs, lift hairs, and exfoliate the skin resulting in elimination of in-grown hairs and consequently pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The stone grooming apparatus may be rubbed on shaved, waxed, or sensitive skin areas in a consistent stroking motion. This application of the stone grooming apparatus may prevent skin from covering the hair follicle, lifting the hair thus allowing uninterrupted outward hair growth neutralizing the development of pseudofolliculitis barbae.

In further aspects, the user may contact or rub the stone grooming apparatus in a consistent motion and in an amount effective to uncurl or dislodge embedded ingrown hairs on skin surfaces and/or smooth or exfoliate inflamed skin particles on skin surfaces. As used herein, “in a consistent motion” may refer to at least one of: a circular motion, an against the grain motion, a with the grain motion, a back and forth motion, and an upward and downward motion; wherein the consistent motion includes but is not limited to at least one or more of: a circular motion, an against the grain motion, a with the grain motion, a horizontally backwards and horizontally forward motion, and a vertically upward and vertically downward motion.

As used herein, in an amount effective to uncurl or dislodge embedded ingrown hairs on skin surfaces and/or smooth or exfoliate inflamed skin particles on skin surfaces may refer to a measure of the weight of topical pressure or force applied to a skin surface by a stone grooming apparatus. More specifically, the “amount effective” may refer to the forces applied to the skin surface by the stone grooming device comprising at least one of but not limited to: an applied load perpendicular to the skin; a drag force parallel to the skin, a force to uncurl or dislodge embedded ingrown hairs; and a force to exfoliate inflamed skin particles.

Applying or contacting the stone grooming apparatus to a skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae has the effect of blunting new growth, uncurling or treating curled ingrown hairs. Additionally, this applying the stone grooming apparatus to a skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae may train curled ingrown hairs from re-entering the skin which may prevent recurrence. Moreover, applying the stone grooming apparatus to a skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae may expedite the healing, recovery, and lightening of darkened or reddened skin resulting for pseudofolliculitis barbae thereby minimizing skin discoloration. Additionally, applying the stone grooming apparatus to a skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae may be performed multiple times daily depending on the severity of the pseudofolliculitis barbae. For example, this application may be applied before shaving in the morning and before bed time. The stone grooming apparatus may have a determined useful lifetime before requiring replacement.

The present disclosure provides for:

An apparatus comprising, but not limited to, at least one of the following:

-   -   I. A convex head wherein the convex head further comprises:         -   a. a convex stone portion comprising pulverized tephra;         -   b. a horizontal resting plate;     -   II. A cylindrical handle having a base, a shaft, and an apex.

1. An apparatus comprising:

-   -   a head having a first portion and a second portion, the first         portion comprising a stone portion configured to contact a skin         surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae in a consistent         motion and in an amount effective to dislodge embedded ingrown         hairs on the skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis         barbae; and     -   a handle comprising an elongated member having a shaft portion         and a base portion configured to contact the skin surface         affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae in a consistent motion and         in an amount effective exfoliate inflamed skin particles on the         skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae.

Although the stages are disclosed in a particular order, it should be understood that the order is disclosed for illustrative purposes only. Stages may be combined, separated, reordered, and various intermediary stages may exist. Accordingly, it should be understood that the various stages, in various embodiments, may be performed in arrangements that differ from the ones claimed below. Moreover, various stages may be added or removed from the without altering or deterring from the fundamental scope of the depicted methods and systems disclosed herein.

Finally, the claims are not structured in the same way non-provisional claims are structured. For example, indentations indicate optional/dependent elements of a parent element.

2. A method for treating pseudofolliculitis barbae on a skin surface area, the method comprising:

-   -   applying a first cosmetic product to a skin surface area         affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae;     -   contacting a stone grooming apparatus, having a convex tephra         composite head and a cylindrical elongated member handle, to the         skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae in a         consistent motion and in an amount effective to dislodge         embedded ingrown hairs on the skin surface area affected by         pseudofolliculitis barbae;     -   exfoliating inflamed skin particles on the skin surface area         affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae; and     -   applying a second cosmetic product to the skin surface area         affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae.

Both the foregoing overview and the following detailed description provide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoing overview and the following detailed description should not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, embodiments may be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinations described in the detailed description.

II. Stone Grooming Apparatus Configuration

In aspects, FIGS. 1-10 show various views and features of a stone grooming apparatus for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows a depiction of a front view of a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1, 100 shows a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae comprising: a convex stone head 105 wherein the convex stone head may comprise pulverized tephra molded into a convex shape; a horizontal resting plate 110; and an elongated member 115 having a conical frustum shaped base 120. Elongated member 115 may be configured to be at least one of a cylinder, a cylindrical conical frustum, a rectangular column, a triangular column, a textured column, and a geometrically shaped column. In an aspect, elongated member 115 may comprise at least one of: a finger indentation, a thumb indentation, a textured grip, and a textured grip surface. In another aspect, elongated member 115 may be contoured to provide a at least one of: a finger indentation, a thumb indentation, a textured grip, and a textured grip surface. FIG. 1, 110 shows a horizontal resting plate, wherein the horizontal resting plate comprises at least one of plastic, pewter, wood, and metal. FIG. 1, 105 shows the convex stone head of the stone grooming apparatus wherein the convex stone head may be molded out of powdered tephra particles having the aforementioned unique properties for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae.

FIG. 2 shows a depiction of a side view of a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2, 200 shows a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae comprising: a convex stone head 205 wherein the convex stone head may comprise pulverized tephra molded into a convex shape; a horizontal resting plate 210; and an elongated member 215 having a conical frustum shaped base 220. Elongated member 215 may be configured to be at least one of a cylinder, a cylindrical conical frustum, a rectangular column, a triangular column, a textured column, and a geometrically shaped column. In an aspect, elongated member 215 may comprise at least one of: a finger indentation, a thumb indentation, a textured grip, and a textured grip surface. In another aspect, elongated member 215 may be contoured to provide a at least one of: a finger indentation, a thumb indentation, a textured grip, and a textured grip surface. FIG. 2, 210 shows a horizontal resting plate, wherein the horizontal resting plate comprises at least one of plastic, pewter, wood, and metal. FIG. 2, 205 shows the convex stone head of the stone grooming apparatus wherein the convex stone head may be molded out of powdered tephra particles having the aforementioned unique properties for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae.

FIG. 3 shows a depiction of a perspective view of a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3, 300 shows a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae comprising: a convex stone head 305 wherein the convex stone head may comprise pulverized tephra molded into a convex shape; a horizontal resting plate 310; and an elongated member 315 having a conical frustum shaped base 320. Elongated member 315 may be configured to be at least one of a cylinder, a cylindrical conical frustum, a rectangular column, a triangular column, a textured column, and a geometrically shaped column. In an aspect, elongated member 315 may comprise at least one of: a finger indentation, a thumb indentation, a textured grip, and a textured grip surface. In another aspect, elongated member 315 may be contoured to provide a at least one of: a finger indentation, a thumb indentation, a textured grip, and a textured grip surface. FIG. 3, 310 shows a horizontal resting plate, wherein the horizontal resting plate comprises at least one of plastic, pewter, wood, and metal. FIG. 3, 305 shows the convex stone head of the stone grooming apparatus wherein the convex stone head may be molded out of powdered tephra particles having the aforementioned unique properties for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae.

FIG. 4 shows a depiction of a front view of a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae loaded with a roll-on seat liner in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4, 400 shows a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae comprising: a convex stone head 105 wherein the convex stone head may comprise pulverized tephra molded into a convex shape; a horizontal resting plate 410; and an elongated member 415 having a conical frustum shaped base 420. Elongated member 415 may be configured to be at least one of a cylinder, a cylindrical conical frustum, a rectangular column, a triangular column, a textured column, and a geometrically shaped column. In an aspect, elongated member 415 may comprise at least one of: a finger indentation, a thumb indentation, a textured grip, and a textured grip surface. In another aspect, elongated member 415 may be contoured to provide a at least one of: a finger indentation, a thumb indentation, a textured grip, and a textured grip surface. FIG. 4, 410 shows a horizontal resting plate, wherein the horizontal resting plate comprises at least one of plastic, pewter, wood, and metal. FIG. 4, 405 shows the convex stone head of the stone grooming apparatus wherein the convex stone head may be molded out of powdered tephra particles having the aforementioned unique properties for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae.

FIG. 5 shows a depiction of a side view of a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5, 500 shows a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae comprising: a convex stone head 505 wherein the convex stone head may comprise pulverized tephra molded into a convex shape; a horizontal resting plate 510; and an elongated member 115 having a conical frustum shaped base 520. Elongated member 515 may be configured to be at least one of a cylinder, a cylindrical conical frustum, a rectangular column, a triangular column, a textured column, and a geometrically shaped column. In an aspect, elongated member 515 may comprise at least one of: a finger indentation, a thumb indentation, a textured grip, and a textured grip surface. In another aspect, elongated member 515 may be contoured to provide a at least one of: a finger indentation, a thumb indentation, a textured grip, and a textured grip surface. FIG. 5, 510 shows a horizontal resting plate, wherein the horizontal resting plate comprises at least one of plastic, pewter, wood, and metal. FIG. 5, 505 shows the convex stone head of the stone grooming apparatus wherein the convex stone head may be molded out of powdered tephra particles having the aforementioned unique properties for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B show a depiction of a top view and bottom view respectively of a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6, 6A shows the topside of a stone grooming apparatus 600A comprising: a convex stone head 605 wherein the convex stone head may comprise pulverized tephra molded into a convex shape; a horizontal resting plate 610. FIG. 6, 6B shows the underside of a stone grooming apparatus 600B comprising; an oval shaped base 620; a horizontal resting plate 610. FIG. 6, 610 shows a horizontal resting plate, wherein the horizontal resting plate comprises at least one of plastic, pewter, wood, and metal. FIG. 6, 605 shows the convex stone head of the stone grooming apparatus wherein the convex stone head may be molded out of powdered tephra particles having the aforementioned unique properties for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae.

FIG. 7 shows a depiction of a functional view of a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 shows a user utilizing the stone grooming apparatus 700 to rub or contact a skin surface 750 affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae. FIG. 7 depicts exemplary use of a convex stone head 705 wherein the convex stone head may comprise pulverized tephra molded into a convex shape; a horizontal resting plate 710; and an elongated member having a conical frustum shaped base 720 of stone grooming apparatus 700. As depicted, a user may use stone grooming apparatus 700 to contact skin surface 750 in a consistent motion and in an amount effective to uncurl or dislodge embedded ingrown hairs on skin surfaces and/or smooth or exfoliate inflamed skin particles on skin surfaces. Wherein the consistent motion includes but is not limited to at least one or more of: a circular motion, an against the grain motion, a with the grain motion, a horizontally backwards and horizontally forward motion, and a vertically upward and vertically downward motion. Wherein the amount effective to uncurl or dislodge embedded ingrown hairs on skin surfaces and/or smooth or exfoliate inflamed skin particles on skin surfaces may be a measure of the weight of topical pressure or force applied to a skin surface by a stone grooming apparatus. In another aspect, the “amount effective” includes the forces applied to the skin surface by the stone grooming device comprising at least one of but not limited to: an applied load perpendicular to the skin; a drag force parallel to the skin, a force to uncurl or dislodge embedded ingrown hairs; and a force to exfoliate inflamed skin particles.

FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B show a depiction of functional views of a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate non-limiting examples of operating environments for the aforementioned apparatuses and components. Although apparatuses and components are disclosed with specific functionality, it should be understood that functionality may be shared between apparatuses and components, with some functions split between apparatuses and components, while other functions duplicated by the apparatuses and components. Furthermore, the name of the component should not be construed as limiting upon the functionality of the component. Moreover, each stage in the claim language can be considered independently without the context of the other stages. Each stage may contain language defined in other portions of this specifications. Each stage disclosed for one component may be mixed with the operational stages of another component. Each stage can be claimed on its own and/or interchangeably with other stages of other apparatuses and components. The following claims will detail the operation of each component, and inter-operation between apparatuses and components.

FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B shows a user utilizing the stone grooming apparatus 800 to rub or contact a skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae. In FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, as depicted, a user may use stone grooming apparatus 800 to contact the skin surface in a consistent motion and in an amount effective to uncurl or dislodge embedded ingrown hairs 825A, 825B on skin surfaces and/or smooth or exfoliate inflamed skin particles 845A, 845B on the skin surface. Wherein the consistent motion includes but is not limited to at least one or more of: a circular motion, an against the grain motion, a with the grain motion, a horizontally backwards and horizontally forward motion, and a vertically upward and vertically downward motion. Wherein the amount effective to uncurl or dislodge embedded ingrown hairs on skin surfaces and/or smooth or exfoliate inflamed skin particles on skin surfaces may be a measure of the weight of topical pressure or force applied to a skin surface by a stone grooming apparatus. In another aspect, the “amount effective” includes the forces applied to the skin surface by the stone grooming device comprising at least one of but not limited to: an applied load perpendicular to the skin; a drag force parallel to the skin, a force to uncurl or dislodge embedded ingrown hairs; and a force to exfoliate inflamed skin particles.

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show a depiction of functional views of a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate non-limiting examples of operating environments for the aforementioned apparatuses and components. Although apparatuses and components are disclosed with specific functionality, it should be understood that functionality may be shared between apparatuses and components, with some functions split between apparatuses and components, while other functions duplicated by the apparatuses and components. Furthermore, the name of the component should not be construed as limiting upon the functionality of the component. Moreover, each stage in the claim language can be considered independently without the context of the other stages. Each stage may contain language defined in other portions of this specifications. Each stage disclosed for one component may be mixed with the operational stages of another component. Each stage can be claimed on its own and/or interchangeably with other stages of other apparatuses and components. The following claims will detail the operation of each component, and inter-operation between apparatuses and components.

Although the stages are disclosed in a particular order, it should be understood that the order is disclosed for illustrative purposes only. Stages may be combined, separated, reordered, and various intermediary stages may exist. Accordingly, it should be understood that the various stages, in various embodiments, may be performed in arrangements that differ from the ones claimed below. Moreover, various stages may be added or removed from the without altering or deterring from the fundamental scope of the depicted methods and systems disclosed herein.

FIG. 9A and 9B shows a user utilizing the stone grooming apparatus 800 to rub or contact a skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae. In FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, as depicted, a user may use stone grooming apparatus 900 to contact the skin surface in a consistent motion and in an amount effective to uncurl or dislodge embedded ingrown hairs 925A, 925B on skin surfaces and/or smooth or exfoliate inflamed skin particles resulting in less inflamed skin particles 945A, 945B on the skin surface. Wherein the consistent motion includes but is not limited to at least one or more of: a circular motion, an against the grain motion, a with the grain motion, a horizontally backwards and horizontally forward motion, and a vertically upward and vertically downward motion. Wherein the amount effective to uncurl or dislodge embedded ingrown hairs on skin surfaces and/or smooth or exfoliate inflamed skin particles on skin surfaces may be a measure of the weight of topical pressure or force applied to a skin surface by a stone grooming apparatus. In another aspect, the “amount effective” includes the forces applied to the skin surface by the stone grooming device comprising at least one of but not limited to: an applied load perpendicular to the skin; a drag force parallel to the skin, a force to uncurl or dislodge embedded ingrown hairs; and a force to exfoliate inflamed skin particles.

III. Stone Grooming Apparatus Operation

The present disclosure details one or more methods of using a stone grooming apparatus for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae. For example, the stone grooming apparatus for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae may be applied via a dry method. Herein the dry method refers to the dry application of a stone grooming apparatus to a skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae. The method comprising gently applying the stone grooming apparatus to a skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae in either an up and down motion or side to side motion or combination thereof; exfoliating, dislodging, reducing, and minimizing embedded ingrown hairs and inflamed skin particles.

The aforementioned dry method of applying the stone grooming apparatus to a skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae has the effect of blunting the curled ingrown hairs. Additionally, this method may train curled ingrown hairs from re-entering the skin which may prevent recurrence. Moreover, this method may expedite the healing, recovery, and lightening of darkened or reddened skin resulting for pseudofolliculitis barbae. This method may be performed two to three times daily. For example, this dry method of application may be applied before shaving in the morning and before bed time.

In another example, the stone grooming apparatus for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae may be applied via a wet method. Herein the wet method refers to the application of a stone grooming apparatus to a wet skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae. The wet method may be performed in the shower, before shaving, after the skin surface is washed, while the skin surface is damp, or after bathing. The wet method may be applied to any affected area including but not limited to the face, armpits, pubic area, or any other skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The method comprising preparing a skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae with a shaving gel or soap; gently applying or contacting the stone grooming apparatus to the skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae in either an up and down motion or side to side motion or combination thereof; exfoliating, dislodging, reducing, and minimizing embedded ingrown hairs and inflamed skin particles; shaving with a razor; cleaning the stone grooming apparatus with hot water; cleaning the affected area; applying an after shave, lotion, cocoa butter, or cosmetic product to the affected area.

The aforementioned wet method of applying or contacting the stone grooming apparatus to a skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae has the effect of blunting new growth and uncurling or treating curled ingrown hairs. Additionally, this method may train curled ingrown hairs from re-entering the skin which may prevent recurrence. Moreover, this method may expedite the healing, recovery, and lightening of darkened or reddened skin resulting for pseudofolliculitis barbae thereby minimizing skin discoloration. This method may be performed two to three times daily. For example, this wet method of application may be applied before shaving in the morning and before bed time. The stone grooming apparatus may have a useful life of fifty to sixty times before requiring replacement.

FIG. 10 shows a depiction of another method of using a stone grooming apparatus for preventing and/or treating pseudofolliculitis barbae in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a flow chart setting forth the general stages involved in a method 1000 consistent with an embodiment of the disclosure for providing a stone grooming apparatus for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae. Method 1000 may be implemented using a stone grooming apparatus 100 as described in more detail above with respect to FIG. 1.

Although method 1000 has been described to be performed by a stone grooming apparatus 100, it should be understood that, in some embodiments, different operations may be performed by different elements. For example, a stone grooming apparatus 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, or 900 may be employed in the performance of some or all of the stages in method 1000. Moreover, a stone grooming apparatus 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, or 900 may be configured much like a stone grooming apparatus 100 and, in some instances, be one and the same embodiment. Similarly, a stone grooming apparatus 100 may be employed in the performance of some or all of the stages in method 1000.

Although method 1000 has been described to be performed by a stone grooming apparatus 100, it should be understood that a stone grooming apparatus 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, or 900 may be used to perform the various stages of method 1000. FIG. 10 is a flow chart setting forth the general stages involved in a method 1000 consistent with an embodiment of the disclosure for providing a stone grooming apparatus and methods for treating and preventing pseudofolliculitis barbae. Method 1000 may be implemented by a user as described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 10.

Although the stages illustrated by the flow charts are disclosed in a particular order, it should be understood that the order is disclosed for illustrative purposes only. Stages may be combined, separated, reordered, and various intermediary stages may exist. Accordingly, it should be understood that the various stages illustrated within the flow chart may be, in various embodiments, performed in arrangements that differ from the ones illustrated.

Moreover, various stages may be added or removed from the flow charts without altering or deterring from the fundamental scope of the depicted methods and systems disclosed herein. Ways to implement the stages of method 1000 will be described in greater detail below.

Method 1000 may begin at starting block 1005 and proceed to stage 1010 where a user may identify an area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae. For example, targeting a skin surface experiencing extreme pseudofolliculitis barbae.

From stage 1010, where a user identifies an area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae, method 1000 may advance to stage 1020 where a user may apply or contact a disclosed stone grooming apparatus to the affected area. For example, the user may rub the stone grooming apparatus over the skin surface experiencing extreme pseudofolliculitis barbae.

Once a user applies the stone grooming apparatus to the affected area in stage 1020, method 1000 may continue to stage 1030 where a user may uncurl ingrown hairs and remove inflamed skin particles at the affected area causing pseudofolliculitis barbae. For example, straightening the curled ingrown hairs at the skin surface experiencing extreme pseudofolliculitis barbae using the stone grooming apparatus.

After a user uncurls the ingrown hairs and remove inflamed skin particles at the affected area causing pseudofolliculitis barbae in stage 1030, method 1000 may proceed to stage 1040 where a user may smooth the affected area using the stone grooming apparatus. For example, smoothing the skin surface experiencing extreme pseudofolliculitis barbae using the stone grooming apparatus. In further aspects, the user may contact or rub the stone grooming apparatus in a consistent motion and in an amount effective to uncurl or dislodge embedded ingrown hairs on skin surfaces and/or smooth or exfoliate inflamed skin particles on skin surfaces. Wherein the consistent motion includes but is not limited to at least one or more of: a circular motion, an against the grain motion, a with the grain motion, a horizontally backwards and horizontally forward motion, and a vertically upward and vertically downward motion. Wherein the amount effective to uncurl or dislodge embedded ingrown hairs on skin surfaces and/or smooth or exfoliate inflamed skin particles on skin surfaces may be a measure of the weight of topical pressure or force applied to a skin surface by a stone grooming apparatus. In another aspect, the “amount effective” includes the forces applied to the skin surface by the stone grooming device comprising at least one of but not limited to: an applied load perpendicular to the skin; a drag force parallel to the skin, a force to uncurl or dislodge embedded ingrown hairs; and a force to exfoliate inflamed skin particles.

Once a user smooths the affected area using the stone grooming apparatus in stage 1040, method 1000 may then end at stage 1050.

While aspects of the present disclosure can be described and claimed in a particular statutory class, such as the system statutory class, this is for convenience only and one of skill in the art will understand that each aspect of the present disclosure can be described and claimed in any statutory class. Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method or aspect set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not specifically state in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way appreciably intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow, plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, or the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

Throughout this application, various publications can be referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this pertains. The references disclosed are also individually and specifically incorporated by reference herein for the material contained in them that is discussed in the sentence in which the reference is relied upon. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present disclosure is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior disclosure. Further, the dates of publication provided herein can be different from the actual publication dates, which can require independent confirmation.

The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, are described above with reference to block diagrams and/or operational illustrations of methods, systems, and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. The functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order as shown in any flowchart. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

While certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described, other embodiments may exist.

I. Aspects

The following disclose various Aspects of the present disclosure. The various Aspects are not to be construed as patent claims unless the language of the Aspect appears as a patent claim. The Aspects describe various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure.

-   -   Aspect 1. A system comprising: a stone grooming apparatus; a         first cosmetic product; and a second cosmetic product.     -   Aspect 2. The system of aspect 1, wherein the first cosmetic         product is at least one of: a soap, a shaving gel, an after         shave, a lotion, a moisturizer, cocoa butter, an alcohol, and an         astringent.     -   Aspect 3. The system of aspect 1, wherein the second cosmetic         product is at least one of: an after shave, a lotion, a         moisturizer, cocoa butter, an alcohol, and an astringent.     -   Aspect 4. A method for treating pseudofolliculitis barbae on a         skin surface, the method comprising: contacting the stone         portion of a stone grooming apparatus to a skin surface affected         by pseudofolliculitis barbae in an amount effective to dislodge         embedded ingrown hairs on the skin surface affected by         pseudofolliculitis barbae and exfoliate inflamed skin particles         on a skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae, thereby         treating the pseudofolliculitis barbae.     -   Aspect 5. The method of claim 10 wherein contacting the stone         portion of a stone grooming apparatus to a skin surface affected         by pseudofolliculitis barbae further comprises contacting the         skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae in a         consistent motion.     -   Aspect 6. The method of claim 10 wherein contacting the stone         portion of a stone grooming apparatus to a skin surface affected         by pseudofolliculitis barbae in a consistent motion further         comprises wherein the consistent motion includes at least one or         more of: a circular motion, an against the grain motion, a with         the grain motion, a horizontally backwards and horizontally         forward motion, and a vertically upward and vertically downward         motion.     -   Aspect 7. The method of claim 10 contacting the stone portion of         a stone grooming apparatus to a skin surface affected by         pseudofolliculitis barbae in an amount effective to dislodge         embedded ingrown hairs on the skin surface further comprises         wherein the amount effective to uncurl or dislodge embedded         ingrown hairs on skin surfaces includes at least one of: a         measure of weight of topical pressure and a measure of force         applied to a skin surface by a stone grooming apparatus.     -   Aspect 8. The method of claim 13 contacting the stone portion of         a stone grooming apparatus to a skin surface affected by         pseudofolliculitis barbae in an amount effective to dislodge         embedded ingrown hairs on the skin surface further comprises:         wherein the force applied to the skin surface by the stone         grooming device includes at least one of: an applied load         perpendicular to the skin; a drag force parallel to the skin, a         force to uncurl or dislodge embedded ingrown hairs; and a force         to exfoliate inflamed skin particles.     -   Aspect 9. A stone grooming apparatus as specified in the         description.     -   Aspect 10. A method operative with the stone grooming apparatus         of claim 1, as specified in the description.     -   Aspect 11. A system configured to enable the stone grooming         apparatus of claim 1.

V. Claims

While the specification includes examples, the disclosure's scope is indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, while the specification has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, the claims are not limited to the features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example for embodiments of the disclosure.

Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawing disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claims below, the disclosures are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claims such additional disclosures is reserved. 

The following is claimed:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a head having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion comprising a stone portion configured to contact a skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae in a consistent motion effective to dislodge embedded ingrown hairs on the skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae; and a handle comprising an elongated member having a shaft portion and a base portion configured to produce a force effective to exfoliate inflamed skin particles on the skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first portion comprises a convex stone portion, and wherein the consistent motion includes at least one or more of: a circular motion, an against the grain motion, a with the grain motion, a horizontally backwards and horizontally forward motion, and a vertically upward and vertically downward motion.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the convex stone portion further comprises at least one of pulverized tephra, powdered tuff, and powdered volcanic lava rock.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the convex stone portion is effective to dislodge embedded ingrown hairs on a skin surface and exfoliate inflamed skin particles on a skin surface.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the convex stone portion is further configured to configured to contact a skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae in an amount effective to dislodge embedded ingrown hairs on the skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae, wherein the amount effective is a force applied to the skin surface by the apparatus comprising at least one of: an applied load perpendicular to the skin surface; a drag force parallel to the skin surface, a force to uncurl or dislodge embedded ingrown hairs; and a force to exfoliate inflamed skin particles.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second portion comprises a horizontal resting plate.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the horizontal resting plate further comprises at least one of plastic, pewter, wood, and metal.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated member is configured to be at least one of a cylinder, a cylindrical conical frustum, a rectangular column, a triangular column, a textured column, and a geometrically shaped column.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated member further comprises at least a finger indentation, a thumb indentation, a textured grip, and a textured grip surface.
 10. A method for treating pseudofolliculitis barbae on a skin surface, the method comprising: contacting the stone portion of the apparatus of claim 1 to a skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae in an amount effective to dislodge embedded ingrown hairs on the skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae and exfoliate inflamed skin particles on a skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae, thereby treating the pseudofolliculitis barbae.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein contacting the stone portion of the apparatus to a skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae further comprises contacting the skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae in a consistent motion.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein contacting the stone portion of the apparatus to a skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae in a consistent motion further comprises wherein the consistent motion includes at least one or more of: a circular motion, an against the grain motion, a with the grain motion, a horizontally backwards and horizontally forward motion, and a vertically upward and vertically downward motion.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein contacting the stone portion of the apparatus to a skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae in an amount effective to dislodge embedded ingrown hairs on the skin surface further comprises wherein the amount effective to uncurl and dislodge embedded ingrown hairs on skin surfaces includes at least one of: a measure of weight of topical pressure and a measure of force applied to a skin surface by a stone grooming apparatus.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein contacting the stone portion of the apparatus of to a skin surface affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae in an amount effective to dislodge embedded ingrown hairs on the skin surface further comprises: wherein a force applied to the skin surface by the stone grooming device includes at least one of: an applied load perpendicular to the skin surface; a drag force parallel to the skin surface, a force to uncurl and dislodge embedded ingrown hairs; and a force to exfoliate inflamed skin particles.
 15. A method for treating pseudofolliculitis barbae on a skin surface area, the method comprising: applying a first cosmetic product to a skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae; contacting a stone grooming apparatus, the stone grooming apparatus having a convex tephra composite head and a cylindrical elongated member handle, to the skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae in a consistent motion and in an amount effective to dislodge embedded ingrown hairs on the skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae; exfoliating inflamed skin particles on the skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae; and applying a second cosmetic product to the skin surface area affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein: the first cosmetic product is at least one of: a soap, a shaving gel, an after shave, a lotion, a moisturizer, cocoa butter, an alcohol, and an astringent; and the second cosmetic product is at least one of: an after shave, a lotion, a moisturizer, cocoa butter, an alcohol, and an astringent.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the consistent motion includes at least one or more of: a circular motion, an against the grain motion, a with the grain motion, a horizontally backwards and horizontally forward motion, and a vertically upward and vertically downward motion.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the amount effective to dislodge embedded ingrown hairs on the skin surface area includes: a measure of weight of topical pressure applied to the skin surface area by the stone grooming apparatus.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the amount effective to dislodge embedded ingrown hairs on the skin surface area includes a measure of force applied to the skin surface area by the stone grooming apparatus.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the measure of force applied to the skin surface area by the stone grooming device includes at least one of: an applied load perpendicular to the skin surface area; a drag force parallel to the skin surface area, a force to dislodge embedded ingrown hairs; and a force to exfoliate inflamed skin particles. 